UNITAR offers 150 homegrown programmes across 25 locations, including its main campus in Kelana Jaya.
AS the demands of the global workforce evolve at unprecedented speed, universities are no longer expected to merely keep up – they must lead. UNITAR Education Group is doing exactly that.
With a proud legacy of innovation and a mission firmly rooted in the future, UNITAR is redefining the higher education experience in Malaysia and beyond.
Since making history in 1997 as South-East Asia’s first virtual university, UNITAR has consistently taken bold steps to stay ahead of the curve.
More than three decades later, it stands as a dynamic, fast-growing institution, serving over 16,000 learners across 25 locations nationwide.
Prof Sahol (second left) and Dr Begum (second right) at the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between UNITAR and Microsoft. They were joined by UNITAR Education Group’s Centre for Academic Excellence director Dr Hemalata Alagan (far left) and Microsoft Malaysia Legal and Government Affairs director Adilah Junid (far right).
At its core, UNITAR is more than a university – it is a forward-moving force committed to accessibility, relevance, and excellence in education.
Forward-thinking and future-ready
UNITAR’s progressive vision is woven into every facet of its operations. From foundation to doctorate programmes, its academic offerings are designed not just to confer qualifications, but to develop resilient, adaptable, and socially responsible graduates.
Central to this is UNITAR’s distinctive C.A.R.E. pedagogy – Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, and Entrepreneurial.
This model encourages students to think critically, work effectively in teams, adapt to challenges, nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, and contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
Empowering learners and educators alike
UNITAR’s growth is measured not only by increasing enrolment but also by the strength of its academic community and depth of industry partnerships.
Additionally, its direction aligns closely with Malaysia’s vision for a digitally driven, high-income economy, as outlined in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL).
A landmark example of this is UNITAR’s national-first collaboration with Microsoft, making it the first university in Malaysia to embed Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy into all Diploma and Bachelor’s programmes.
Through seven Microsoft AI Fluency modules integrated into the curriculum, UNITAR ensures emerging technologies are accessible, inclusive, and actionable for students in every discipline.
This is not a passing trend but a strategic transformation – one that equips every graduate with future-proof competencies to lead in a data-driven world.
The collaboration was formalised via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by UNITAR’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tan Sri Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, and Microsoft’s Director of Legal, Corporate and Government Affairs for Asean and New Markets, Dr Jasmine Begum.
“This collaboration is not merely symbolic – it is structural, strategic, and above all, transformational,” shares Prof Sahol.
“Through this collaboration with Microsoft, we are embedding AI modules directly into our academic ecosystem across all Diploma and Bachelor programmes.
“We are democratising digital empowerment by making AI accessible to every student – from business to education to design.”
He added, “Let UNITAR be the first – but let us not be the last. We envision UNITAR as a living laboratory of innovation, where digital transformation is not a buzzword, but a pedagogical backbone.”
At the MoU signing, Dr Jasmine Begum reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to inclusive education and AI development:
“We are proud to support UNITAR in leading this national-first initiative. AI skills must be accessible, equitable, and embedded into every learning journey.
“UNITAR’s approach not only builds technical fluency, but also nurtures responsibility, inclusion, and innovation,” she said.
The future is here
As Malaysia moves toward a digital economy, UNITAR is playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future workforce.
With a clear mission, bold strategy, and passionate academic community, it is not just keeping pace with change – it is driving it.
The university is home to dedicated academics across its diverse faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education and Humanities, School of Information Technology, and School of Media, Arts and Design.
This academic strength is further enhanced by more than 100 distinguished adjunct professors, each bringing a wealth of real-world expertise to the university.
These adjunct appointments underscore UNITAR’s strategy to bridge academia and industry in placement for internships, job opportunities and career preparation, highlighting UNITAR’s commitment to dynamic, future-ready, and practice-informed higher education.
Since its inception, UNITAR has championed an innovative learning methodology – where technology enhances, but never replaces, the value of human connection.
Its hybrid delivery of conventional and online learning meets the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.
Creating career-ready graduates
UNITAR’s commitment to transformation is powered by an agile leadership team that anticipates trends and challenges in the education landscape.
This proactive approach ensures its programmes remain relevant in a world shaped by technology, globalisation, and shifting learner expectations.
Beyond academic excellence, UNITAR places strong emphasis on holistic development, creating leaders equipped not only with career-ready skills but also with the confidence to make a difference in their workplaces and communities.
Its efforts are reflected in the 98% employability rate of its graduates, as reported by the Education Ministry’s (MOHE) Graduate Tracer Study 2024.
Students also benefit from the UNITAR Leadership Series – monthly sessions featuring industry leaders, including the university’s own adjunct professors.
Open to students from all faculties and levels, these talks provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Selected participants are invited to exclusive roundtable discussions with the speakers, fostering direct engagement and the exchange of ideas with influential figures from various industries.
UNITAR’s journey from pioneering virtual learning in 1997 to embedding AI into every diploma and degree today reflects one consistent truth: its readiness to lead. As the higher education landscape continues to evolve, UNITAR is not just preparing students for the future – it is actively shaping it.
